D4.4 Overview report on cross-learning activities

Work Package 4, led by Prospex Institute, aims to implement tailor-made participatory processes for all levels of engagement, for example, internal, local and European, with the aim of facilitating VARCITIES co-design solutions, keeping in mind the digital nature of some of the VARCITIES products.

Specifically, within WP4, Task 4.4 focused on organising Cross-Learning Workshops to facilitate knowledge exchange among VARCITIES partners, enabling collaborative problem-solving across pilots by addressing shared challenges in areas such as engagement, governance, and replication, with input from internal reports and external experts.

Key messages

  • The cross-learning program successfully fostered knowledge exchange among project partners and external experts, enabling the sharing of experiences, challenges, and solutions, which supported and strengthened project implementation.
  • Each workshop targeted specific and relevant aspects of the Visionary Solutions development – including stakeholder engagement, co-creation, evaluation, risk management, and financing – providing practical insights and actionable guidance for pilot cities.
  • The expert input on the ongoing stakeholder engagement and funding options provided information and support for the planning of the maintenance and usage of the Visionary Solutions beyond VARCITIES.

Executive Summary

The Cross-learning task (T4.4) within the VARCITIES project served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange among pilot cities and Work Package (WP) leaders. Through four interactive Cross-learning Workshops (CLWs), participants tackled key challenges in co-creation, the implementation of the Visionary Solutions (VS) and aligned on project objectives. The workshops were strategically aligned with the project’s progress meetings and addressed various thematic areas essential to urban sustainability and health. The first CLW focused on reviewing initial stakeholder engagement activities, enabling participants to share lessons learned and strategies for improvement. The second CLW addressed co-creation challenges and highlighted the social and economic returns of NbS through expert presentations. The third workshop emphasized co-evaluation, particularly the importance of assessing NbS through stakeholder engagement and real-world applications. The final workshop shifted focus to ensuring the long-term viability of NbS beyond the project’s lifespan, discussing financing and future stakeholder engagement. In all workshops, participants engaged in interactive discussions and breakout sessions, facilitating collaboration and the exchange of practical solutions. These workshops contributed significantly to the project’s development, ensuring alignment with both WP objectives and the needs of local stakeholders. Overall, the Cross-learning task (T4.4) played a crucial role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and long-term planning within VARCITIES.

This deliverable is not approved yet, as such the full deliverable is not available to the public.